Pancreatomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical removal of the pancreas. The spelling of the word can be broken down into three syllables: pan-cre-a-tom-y. In phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /pæŋkriətɒmi/. The first syllable starts with the sound /pæŋ/ which represents the vowel sound in "bang". The second syllable begins with a "kr" cluster /kriə/ and ends with the vowel sound in "hot". The final syllable is pronounced as /tɒmi/ with a short "o" sound as in "got".
Pancreatomy, also known as pancreatic resection, is a surgical procedure in which a part or the whole of the pancreas is removed. The pancreas is a vital organ located in the abdomen, behind the stomach. It plays a crucial role in digestion and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Pancreatomy is typically performed to treat various pancreatic conditions, including pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, or cystic tumors. In cases where the cancerous cells are confined to a limited area of the pancreas, partial pancreatectomy may be performed, removing only the affected portion. However, in more advanced cases, a complete pancreatectomy might be necessary, involving the removal of the entire pancreas, as well as adjacent tissues, lymph nodes, and even parts of neighboring organs, such as the spleen or part of the small intestine.
This complex surgical procedure may be conducted using either an open approach, involving a large abdominal incision, or a minimally invasive technique known as laparoscopic surgery. Pancreatomy is a highly specialized procedure that requires significant expertise and meticulous attention to detail, as the pancreas is an intricate organ with multiple functions. Following a pancreatectomy, patients may experience changes in digestive function, as the pancreas is responsible for the production of digestive enzymes. Additionally, they may require lifelong medication to manage blood sugar levels due to the altered insulin production.
Pancreatotomy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "pancreatomy" comes from the combination of two Greek words: "pancreas" and "tomē" (τομή).
The word "pancreas" (πάγκρεας) in Greek means "sweetbread" or "all flesh". It is derived from the words "pan" (παν) meaning "all" and "kreas" (κρέας) meaning "flesh" or "meat". The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen that plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism.
The Greek word "tomē" (τομή) translates to "cutting" or "incision". It is derived from the verb "temnein" (τέμνειν) meaning "to cut".